Hythe Town continued their excellent form with a well earned 2-0 victory at home to Lewes on Saturday afternoon.
The first 25 minutes of the game saw both sides testing each other in a midfield battle without creating any opportunities apart from a twelfth minute attempt as Ryan Palmer cut in from the right but his final effort went over the bar. As the half progressed the Cannons started to take control of the game with Salvyn Kisitu cutting in and forcing Lewes keeper Chris Winterton to push the ball over the bar. Then two minutes later Palmer unleashed a curling shot that flew a couple of inches wide. Palmer and Kitisu were then to create an opportunity as the latter’s effort was pushed around the post by Winterton.
The league leaders had to wait until the 35th minute for their first meaningful chance as Ghassimu Sow found himself in space but sliced his shot wide and then Billy Medlock drove the ball straight at Hythe keeper, Will Godmon. However, on the stroke of half time, Hythe got the goal that their first half performance deserved. Liam King had a shot blocked by Winterton but it came back to Zak Ansah who made no mistake from close range.
The second half started with a free kick to the visitors in a dangerous spot just outside the area. Medlock curled his kick just over the bar and then it was Hythe who would continue to look the more likely. Ansah played the ball to Kieron Campbell who passed back to Ansah. The final effort looped just over the bar. This was followed quickly as Palmer found himself free but pushed his shot just wide of the left-hand post. Hythe were then awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area which Darren Oldaker took but his kick went straight into the arms of Winterton.
Lewes upped the gears to look for an equaliser but the Hythe defence stood resolute under pressure. This was demonstrated by captain Ryan Johnson whose well timed tackle prevented Sow getting a shot on goal. At the other end Campbell had an attempt blocked and the rebound came back to him but he side-footed over the bar. However. Lewes were still creating chances as both Jonte Smith and Ronnie Conlon had shots blocked in a melee. With ten minutes to go, Hythe sealed the win. Oldaker played the ball across the penalty area finding Ansah who tapped home at the far post. This was the Hythe striker’s third brace in three games.
This seemed to knock the heart out of the visitors and it was the hosts who came nearest to getting a third. Oldaker shot just over the bar, Palmer got onto a loose ball but fired over and then he got the ball into Josh Stirman but it was blocked by Winterton. As the final whistle blew, Hythe had held onto three well deserved points in a performance where you could not fault any of the players. Their great effort has left the Cannons still well in contention for a play-off place.
Hythe now travel on Bank Holiday Monday to Herne Bay where they will be able to continue to build on their current fine form. Kick off for that game will be 3pm.
Team: Will Godmon, Salvyn Kitisu, Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Ryan Johnson, Mitchell Dickenson (Connor Sanders 61 mins), Ryan Palmer, Darren Oldaker, Zak Ansah, Liam King (Mitchell Chapman 90 mins), Kieron Campbell (Josh Stirman 78 mins).
Scorers: Hythe Town-Zak Ansah 45 mins & 80 mins.
Attendance: 392